Comments on: Questions From Anonymous Readers

By: Tubaman-Z

Tubaman-Z — Sun, 20 May 2007 18:54:37 +0000

I like the “potpourri of questions”. Makes for nice variety. Keep it up.

By: Benji Gonzalez

Benji Gonzalez — Sun, 20 May 2007 06:25:39 +0000

Some advice on formula.

WIC has created a huge underground market for baby formula. If you check the classified ads in your local paper or Ebay for that matter you can buy a year’s worth of formula for just about the same price as what Trent spent on the breastmilk/formula mix.

My wife breastfed for the first 3 months and once she went back to work, the time spent pumping and managing breast milk was too much for her. A friend of mine back home who had their third child told me about how they still had cases of formula left over from WIC. Their child had been drinking regular milk and they still received WIC coupons. We purchased 3 cases of 12.9 oz cans of Similac for $50. While combing through the classifieds for a changing table/dresser we came across quite a few ads of people selling baby formula and have bought formula from about 3 different people – all in the same situation.

Some of these people had very nice homes and vehicles and took advantage of WIC’s “no questions” policy concerning signing up for the program. So if you don’t mind taking advantage of other taxpayers you can just sign up for WIC and get the formula for free. You don’t even have to fill out an application if you don’t speak English….

By: Leslie M-B

Leslie M-B — Sun, 20 May 2007 05:32:14 +0000

Breastfeeding can cost a lot more per year if you need to buy a pump (everyone I know who breastfed did this–and so did I, even though I was feeding formula as well as breastmilk) or if you need assistance in the form of a lactation specialist and you can’t find a volunteer one. Also, don’t forget the cost of freezer bags for the milk, bottles to feed stored milk, the energy required to clean the breast pump and bottles, etc. And if you end up getting thrush or mastitis, you’ll pay more for doctors’ visits and prescription drugs, plus with mastitis you may miss time from work.

Don’t get me wrong–I encourage people to breastfeed. But it’s not as cheap as most people assume it is–nor as natural or healthy, as our bodies are so packed with chemicals it’s scary.

By: dariaclone

dariaclone — Sun, 20 May 2007 03:17:34 +0000

The phrase “passive income” makes me cringe. From what I hear, it’s Robert Kiyosaki’s pet phrase. Although it has a technical tax meaning, it has been construed far beyond that. I’ve personally seen too many people lose sight of the value of their traditional jobs, and accompanying salaries, in search of “passive income” that will make them rich. Diversification is good, but turning down work because it is not “passive” is not.

By: Dy (www.dyphan.com)

Dy (www.dyphan.com) — Sat, 19 May 2007 20:18:18 +0000

Trent, I need some serious help formating my site and understanding wordpress themes and manipulating them. Can you shoot me an email if you have some free time?

By: Gal Josefsberg

Gal Josefsberg — Sat, 19 May 2007 19:24:07 +0000

Thanks Trent, I like this open Q&A format. Going to send you a few questions of my own.

By: Jim Lippard

Jim Lippard — Sat, 19 May 2007 16:30:58 +0000

I’m curious to know the basis for your opinion that the U.S. dollar will rebound after the 2008 election (and against which currencies? Euro, yen, and yuan?)

By: Kirsten

Kirsten — Sat, 19 May 2007 15:39:14 +0000

Buying dividend shares is another way of generating passive income and probably the least work-intense one of your suggestions (since you do some thorough up-front research and then leave it alone).